Off-off-off-off Broadway actress Kate McCall inherits her father’s New York private investigations business after he’s a whole lot of murdered in a life insurance company elevator.

A concrete-carrying, ballroom-dancing construction mule says he fell off the scaffolding, can never work—or dance—again, and sues the contractor for a whole lot of money.

Kate assembles the eccentric tenants of her brownstone and her histrionic acting troupe to help her crack the cases, and they stir up a whole lot of trouble.

But not as much as Kate, who sticks her nose in the middle of the multi-million-dollar life-insurance scam her father was investigating and gets a whole lot of arrested for murdering a medical examiner.

Will Kate bust the insurance scam, prove who really killed the examiner—and her father—and get out of jail in time to pull off the ballroom sting of the decade? She might, but it’s going to be a whole lot of hilarious.

Off-off-off-off Broadway actress Kate McCall inherits her father’s New York private investigation business after he’s a whole lot of murdered in a life insurance company elevator.

A concrete-carrying, ballroom-dancing construction mule says he fell off the scaffolding and can never work—or dance—again, and then sues the contractor for a whole lot of money.

Kate assembles the eccentric tenants of her brownstone and her histrionic acting troupe to help her crack the cases, and they stir up a whole lot of trouble.

But not as much trouble as Kate, who sticks her nose in the middle of the multi-million-dollar life-insurance scam her father was investigating and gets a whole lot of arrested for murdering a medical examiner.

Will Kate bust the insurance scam, prove who really killed the examiner—and her father—and get out of jail in time to pull off the ballroom sting of the decade?

She might, but it’s going to be a whole lot of hilarious.

Why did you decide to write it?

I had written murder mystery movies for television and also some comedies (for features and TV) and had a thought I should write a funny murder mystery series of novels set in New York City starring an off-off-off-off Broadway actress who inherits her father’s PI business after he’s found murdered in an insurance company elevator and uses her acting “skills” to find her father’s killer and solve other mysteries too. I have no idea where that thought came from—left field, outer space—but it made me laugh, so here I am writing the third book in the series.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

The first draft of McCall & Company: Workman’s Complication took about six months to write.

How did you get your book published? Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

As soon as I completed McCall & Company: Workman’s Complication, I set about the business of signing with a New York literary agent. I did, but that journey took almost a year. Then, together, we set out to find a traditional publishing company for my book and heard the same response a dozen times: “Rich is one hilarious, talented writer. I laughed out loud and had no idea whodunit! But we’re passing because funny books are too hard to sell.”

Okay, a dozen times is not that many, I know, but I’m older than I was when I set out to be a Hollywood screenwriter, and so I had the time to wait it out back then, but now, like I said, I’m older than I used to be so a dozen times was like a hundred times to someone as young as I was then.

Throughout the process, I had been researching self-publishing and thought: what a perfect plan for a control-freak writer of funny books. So I created Laugh Riot Press, a social media marketing and self-publishing company, and LRP has published my four funny novels.

What types of readers will be interested in your book?

Readers who like to laugh out loud will love McCall & Company: Workman’s Complication and so will readers who like a mystery that keeps them guessing until the very end.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired then and remain inspired to this day by the novelists I admire, some of whom are: Richard Ford, John Irving, Philip Roth, Donald E. Westlake, John D. MacDonald, Carl Hiaasen, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, and many others who blow me away with their style and story and heart and wit.

What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?

I think what makes McCall & Company: Workman’s Complication special is its sense of humor. The book is funny. I mean, readers are telling me they’re laughing out loud. Kirkus Reviews says the novel is “…gloriously self aware…” and I think that’s about right.

Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?

Laugh Riot Press has published the second book in my PI series, McCall & Company: Swollen Identity, and also published a standalone, Juggler, Porn Star, Monkey Wrench, a romantic Hollywood sex comedy. In a few months, LRP will publish another standalone, a wild caper called Let There Be Linda, which editor DD Rankin has labeled a “sick and twisted tour de force.” And later this year, Laugh Riot Press will publish the third McCall & Company novel, which I am writing as we speak.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rich Leder

Novelist—Screenwriter—Publisher

Rich Leder has been a working writer for more than two decades. His screen credits include 18 produced television films for CBS, Lifetime, and Hallmark and feature films for Paramount Pictures, Tri-Star Pictures, and Left Bank Films.

He has been the lead singer in a Detroit rock band, a restaurateur, a Little League coach, an indie film director, a literacy tutor, a PTA board member, a magazine editor, a screenwriting coach, a commercial real estate agent, and a visiting artist for the University of North Carolina Wilmington Film Studies Department, among other things, all of which, it turns out, was grist for the mill. He resides on the North Carolina coast with his awesome wife, Lulu, and is sustained by the visits home of their three college kids.

BLOGGER NOTE: I’m almost finished reading the book. I will post my review soon and I’m so excited to do so! Also, the ebook copy of this book is currently free in Kobo, iBooks and Barnes &Noble (I checked just now). I don’t know for how long so go and download it now. ^_^

Can You See the Disappearing Dolphins? Kevin and his twin sister Jackie always enjoy going to the beach with their mommy, but Kevin can tell that today will be extra-special. As he and Jackie start building a sandcastle, Kevin sees a fantastic sight: a dolphin, jumping and playing in the ocean. Kevin is known for his vivid imagination, and when he tells Jackie about the dolphin, she doesn’t believe him. As he watches the joyful antics of the dolphin in the sparkling sea, Kevin is convinced that the dolphin is real-even he couldn’t make up something this fantastic! Determined to share the magic of the dolphin, Kevin sets out on an adventure of discovery that will create lifelong memories for him and for Jackie. With warm, comforting language and beautiful illustrations, The Disappearing Dolphins is sure to become a favorite with anyone who cherishes the wonder of the natural world as seen through children’s eyes.

INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER KELMAN

1. What is the title of your book?

The Disappearing Dolphins

2. What is your book about?
A lovely tale of young twins on a “usual” trip to the beach. Today was different; Kevin’s great imagination was playing tricks on him, or was it? He believed that each time he looked up he saw beautiful dolphins springing into the air. He nudged his twin sister, Jackie, in the hope she would see it too, but each time she looked up, they were gone. Was Kevin left wondering? No, at the perfect moment, Jackie looked up to see the most wonderful sight…..five graceful dolphins shining in delight. The adventure continues as they board a boat and feed the dolphins. The tale is about imagination, trust, the sibling (twin) relationship and sticking to your beliefs. The illustrations bring this story to life and capture the beauty and wonderment of children and nature.

3. Why did you decide to write it?
This story came tumbling from me after a few weeks of my twins being sick. Not feeling particularly creative, I began to weave this story and was truly surprised as I watched my kids begin to feel refreshed and happy. It was at that moment that we all decided together to make the story of The Disappearing Dolphins into a book.

4. How did you get your book published?
I am so happy to have had the pleasure to work with Outskirts Press. They have done a spectacular job in bringing it all to fruition.

5. What types of readers will be interested in your book?
This is a great story for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers to read to their kids. Using fun and silly intonations while reading aloud, the listener can appreciate the frustration in Jackie and the desire in Kevin. This book appeals to 4-6 year olds and maybe a bit older as they read the book to themselves.

6. What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?
The book is special because of the subtle messages…believe in yourself, imagine and it can be, the sibling (twin) relationship and the love of nature. It is special because the story is woven in such a way that highlights all of these aspects. The reader remains engaged and isn’t exactly sure if Jackie will ever see The Disappearing Dolphins. I believe that the illustrations by Michael Swaim, set this book apart from others. His gift is unparalleled.
I am also in the process of co-writing a song, The Disappearing Dolphins, which will be available on ITunes, to complement the book. This song, a catchy, sing-a-long, is certain to stay stuck in your head all day long.

7. Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?
This is my 3rd book. My first two belong to the Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.
I created two children’s characters; Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® and her lovable dog, Moopus McGlinden®. Together, they inspire self-esteem in children through their love, warmth and silliness. I have also created a full product line including a plush doll, a Moopus McGlinden stuffed animal, a music CD and 2 books. Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast and Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Prance into New York City. Available on Amazon.com and www.MrsPinkelmeyer.com

I will continue to write and publish more books when the light of creativity strikes again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Kelman is a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She enjoys cycling and tennis, and finds endless creative inspiration from her young twins. She is the author of the award-winning
Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® series featuring the lovable dog Moopus McGlinden®. The Disappearing Dolphins is her third children’s book.